Opening Game for Superpowers

Start this lesson plan by playing Would You Rather? (See the instructions.) Use questions related to superheroes:

• Would you rather be invisible or have super vision which lets you see through walls?
• Would you rather be able to run super fast or be able to fly slowly?
• Would you rather be able to change the past or see the future?
• Would you rather be able to read minds or make people forget things?
• Would you rather be able to jump super high or make yourself shrink down to a tiny size?
• Would you rather have a sidekick or work alone?
• Would you rather be able to use mental powers to move things or make things disappear?
• Would you rather live in a world where everyone has superpowers or where just a few people do?
• Would you rather be the hero or be the villain?
• Would you rather let people know your superpower or keep it hidden?

It is fun to think about having superpowers. That might be why we love stories about superheroes and villains. But this week's gospel does tell us that we have special powers.

Scripture Reading for Lesson Plan on being Clothed in Power

Luke 24:46-53 (Jesus promises that we will be clothed in power) - the Gospel Reading for the The Ascension of the Lord – Year C

Jesus said to his disciples:

"Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.

Luke 24:46-53

Discussion for the Superpowers Lesson Plan

Jesus promises us we will be clothed in power. Like a superhero in a cape! But our powers do not come from within ourselves. They come from the Holy Spirit.

Jesus tells his disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they are "clothed with power from on high." And when does this happen? Pentecost! The ascension of Jesus, which happens on the 40th day after Easter, is taking place in this gospel reading. Pentecost will take place ten days later.

And at Pentecost, some spectacular things happen. Tongues of fire appear over their heads. They are encircled by a rushing wind. They speak in foreign languages. But that is not the most amazing thing.

After seeing Jesus die a cruel and agonizing death, the Holy Spirit gives them the superpower of courage. They know that speaking up and telling others could result in persecution and death for them also. But after Pentecost, they are empowered to go and spread the Good News despite the risk.

There are times when we need courage also. Hopefully nobody will ever want to physically harm us for spreading the love of Jesus Christ. But we often need courage in our everyday lives. We might need the courage to speak up for someone when others are putting them down. We might need courage to invite someone to come to Mass with us. We might need courage to help a friend who is in trouble.

These are the times when we need to ask the Holy Spirit to clothe us in power. Say a simple prayer of "Come Holy Spirit". Trust that you are not alone. If possible, ask another friend to pray with you.

Then put on that superhero cape which the Holy Spirit gives you and act boldly.

Reflection Questions for the Clothed in Power Lesson Plan

• Have you ever been in a situation where you needed courage to do the right thing? What did you do?
• How does courage help you tell others about your relationship with Jesus?
• Can you think of a time when you prayed for courage and received it?

Challenge for the Superpowers Lesson Plan

Whenever you find yourself in a situation where you know what the right thing to do is, but you are anxious, just pray a simple "Come Holy Spirit." Breathe in your superpower from the Spirit. Do this several times if necessary.

Prayer for the Lesson Plan on Superpowers

Conclude by praying the Litany of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Printable Copy of Superpowers Lesson Plan